Seeking Director

The School of Architecture at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) seeks candidates for the position of Director to begin August 2026.  

Located in the heart of one of the most vibrant arts cities in the United States, UIC is a comprehensive urban public research (R1) university that enrolls over 35,000 students and is among the nation’s top five most diverse campuses. The School of Architecture is one of four Schools in the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts (CADA), and shares facilities and a close collaborative relationship with the School of Design. Serving a diverse student body of approximately 300 undergraduates and 50 graduates, the School of Architecture offers five degree programs: a four-year pre-professional BS in Architecture, an upper-level BA in Architectural Studies, a NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture (three-year or two-year with advanced standing), a one-year post professional MS in Architecture, and a two-year Master of Arts in Design Criticism. Extending its sixty-year history of instigating significant practice and discussion in architecture, the School is composed of an energetic faculty who actively contribute to the international culture of design, research, and criticism. In its teaching, research, and public programming, the School is focused on design and advanced work in technology and theory with a central commitment to the cultural and disciplinary project of architecture.

With a direct reporting line to the Dean of CADA, the Director will work with the School faculty and staff to realize the mission of the School. The Director’s responsibilities include all aspects of the School’s operation: budget and finance, staffing and HR, curriculum oversight, recruitment, accreditation, fundraising, public programming, and facility use and improvement. The Director represents the discipline of architecture within the College and University as well as at local, national, and international venues, and works closely with the Dean and College administration to maintain and cultivate new external relationships with alumni, supporters, donors, and patrons. One key aspect involves strengthening connections between the School and professional offices, as this relationship entails graduating future architects who can challenge and elevate the broader culture of practice. The Director oversees the equitable allocation of resources and opportunities for the advancement of all members of the School community, and ensures clear and focused communication with internal and external stakeholders consistent with the School’s values and identity. The Director will execute these responsibilities in a climate of transparency and in accord with the principles of shared academic governance.

We seek an energetic and collegial leader with a demonstrated ability to listen to diverse input and bring people together toward a collective vision. The successful candidate will be adept at mobilizing consensus among faculty peers, as well as directing and supporting professional staff, as a means to act inclusively and decisively for the advancement of the School. We expect a hands-on leader based in Chicago who maintains an active presence in the School and serves as the public face for both its internal and external programming. Applicants should demonstrate exemplary professionalism and disciplinary leadership in the field of architecture in an academic, professional, or cultural organization. Possessing an acute knowledge of the international landscape of architecture programs, the Director will advance the School’s unique position with regard to its past successes and future promise.

Minimum qualifications include a terminal professional degree (MArch or international equivalent) and/or PhD in Architecture or a closely related field, and credentials that merit rank at the level of associate or full professor with tenure, including an accomplished record of successful teaching, an international record of creative/scholarly achievement, and public service that contributes to advancing architecture and its place in the world.

For more information about the School, see arch.uic.edu.

For fullest consideration, applications must be received by January 12, 2026. Submit a statement of intent, curriculum vitae, and contact information of four external references through the UIC job board at jobs.uic.edu. First round interviews are expected to take place by mid-February 2026.

Please direct nominations and questions or concerns regarding the search and/or application process to the search coordinator, Dragan Krstic. Strict confidentiality will be observed throughout the academic search process.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

The budgeted salary range for the position is 110,000 USD to 160,000 USD. An additional summer appointment may be provided with approval of the Dean depending on the scope of administrative activities. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.